System and methods for the measurement of lung volumes

ABSTRACT

A system and method for determining FRC, TGV, TLC, and RV includes a hand-held unit with a shutter assembly designed to minimize measure air displacement due to shuttering. Measurement of flow and pressure are used to derive the lung parameters.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to measurement of respiratory parametersand, more particularly to measurement of FRC, TGV, TLC and RV.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absolute lung volume is a key parameter in pulmonary physiology anddiagnosis but is not easy to measure in the live individual. It isrelatively straightforward to measure the volume of air which is exhaledfrom a subject's mouth but at the end of complete exhalation, asignificant amount of air is always left in the lungs because themechanical properties of the lungs and chest wall, including the ribs,do not allow the lungs to collapse completely. The gas left in the lungsat the end of a complete exhalation is termed the Residual Volume (RV)which may be significantly increased in disease. The total volume of gasin the lungs at the end of a maximal inspiration is termed the TotalLung Capacity (TLC) which includes the RV plus the maximum amount of gaswhich can be inhaled or exhaled and which is termed the Vital Capacity(VC). However, during normal breathing the subject does not empty thelungs down to RV nor inflate them to TLC. The amount of gas in the lungsat the end of a normal breath, as distinct from a complete exhalation,is termed the Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) or Thoracic Gas Volume(TGV), depending upon the manner in which it is measured. For simplicitywhen this volume is measured by inert gas dilution techniques it will betermed FRC and when measured by barometric techniques involving gascompression as in this application it will be termed TGV.

In order to determine the total volumes of gas in the lungs at TLC, TGVor RV, indirect methods must be used since it is impossible tocompletely exhale all the gas from the lungs. There are two basictechniques currently available, gas dilution and whole bodyplethysmography (a barometric method). Gas dilution involves thedilution of a known concentration and volume of inert gas by the gas inthe lungs of the subjects and is critically dependent on complete mixingof the marker gas and lung gas. In subjects with poor gas mixing due todisease, this technique is very inaccurate and generally underestimatesthe true FRC. In the whole body plethysmograph, the subject makesrespiratory efforts against an obstruction within a gas tight chamberand the changes in pressure on the lung side of the obstruction can berelated to the changes in pressure in the chamber through Boyle's law tocalculate TGV. This method accurately measures TGV even in sick subjectsbut requires complicated and expensive equipment and is difficult toperform.

Once FRC (gas dilution), or TGV (whole body plethysmograph), iscalculated, the measurement by spirometry of the extra volume of gaswhich can be exhaled from the end of a normal exhalation (ExpiratoryReserve Volume, ERV) and the extra volume which can be inhaled from theend of a normal exhalation (Inspiratory Capacity, IC) allows thecalculation of TLC and RV.

These three important indicators (TLC, RV and FRC or TGV) are mutuallyconnected through the following formulas: RV=FRC−ERV and TLC=FRC+IC and,TLC=RV+ERV+IC=RV+VC.

If FRC is determined by gas dilution and TGV by a barometric method,then the difference between them (TGV minus FRC) is a measure, albeitapproximate, of the volume of poorly ventilated or ‘trapped gas’ in thelungs.

In healthy subjects TGV and FRC should be virtually identical as thereis little or no trapped gas, hence, for all practical matters, the termTGV shall apply for FRC as well. In summary, determination of TLC, TGVand RV is central to the complete evaluation of lung function.

At the present time, FRC is measured by two gas-based techniques: therebreathing of an inert gas, such as helium, in a closed circuit or thewash in or out of an inert marker gas, which can be the nitrogen,normally present in the lung. Both techniques have been used for severaldecades and are known to have several shortcomings, e.g., they arecomplex, hard to operate, moderately expensive, unreliable for themeasurement of FRC in patients with poor gas mixing due to disease, andthe tests are lengthy and uncomfortable for the subjects.

Body plethysmograph devices for determination of TGV are disclosed, forexample, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,550 to Wilson, and have been known andused since at least 1955. Other devices, which include the use ofimpedance belts have been disclosed as well, for example, in U.S. Pat.No. 5,857,459. In both types of devices, the plethysmograph chamber orthe impedance belts are designed so that the volume in the lungs can becalculated directly, so as to provide reliable measurement parametersfor calculation of TGV. However, these methods for measuring TGV are allless than optimal, requiring a sealed chamber in which the subject sits,or external belts which have been shown not to provide reliable resultsand which may be bulky, expensive and inconvenient to operate, andrequire full cooperation of the subject during the measurement maneuversto obtain meaningful results.

Hand held devices for measurement of certain lung parameters, such asspirometers, are known in the art. However, spirometers are not designedto measure internal volume. Other hand held devices known in the artinclude devices which have been used to determine airway resistance.Such devices use a shutter mechanism for blocking and opening ofairways. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,998 to Chowienczyk disclosesan apparatus with an interrupting valve for interrupting the flow of airthrough a bore. However, since this device is designed to measureresistance to air flow rather than lung volume, the shutter speeds maybe relatively slow, and relative air displacement may occur.

The importance and need for a new, accurate, and easy to use method anddevice to measure TGV have been clearly stated in the ATS (AmericanThoracic Society)/NHLBI (U.S. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute)Consensus Statement of Measurement of Lung Volumes in Humans, Clausenand Wagner et al., Nov. 12, 2003 (the Consensus Statement), page 6:“Systems will be available in the future which through new technologywill offer potential advantages (e.g., ease of use, rapidity of testing,improved accuracy) over the methodology recommended in this document(i.e., nitrogen wash-out, helium gas dilution and body plethysmography).The ATS and the ERS (European Respiratory Society) encourage suchinnovation. However, it is the responsibility of the manufacturers todemonstrate that the lung volumes reported by new technology do notdiffer substantially from those obtained by the standard techniques;such comparisons must be made using subjects with varying severities ofobstructive and restrictive lung disease as well as healthy subjects.”

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide systems andmethods for measurement of TGV without the need for external belts orchambers and which can provide accurate measurements which are up to thestandards of the currently used systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a method of calculating lung parameters. The method includesproviding a system for measuring volume changes in the lungs, the systemincluding a respiration module for inhalation or exhalation, commandingthe system to occlude air flow within the respiration module during aninhalation or exhalation, obtaining a flow curve and a pressure curveduring the occlusion, calculating an instantaneous volume in the lungsduring the occlusion based on parameters of the flow curve and thepressure curve, and calculating a lung volume parameter based on thecalculated volume.

In some embodiments, the occlusion of air flow may occur for less than0.25 seconds and more preferably, for less than 5 ms and even morepreferably for less than 2 ms. Calculating the instantaneous volume inthe lungs may include determining a first pressure at a first pointalong the pressure curve, determining a second pressure at a secondpoint along the pressure curve, calculating a pressure change bycalculating a difference between the first pressure and the secondpressure, determining a first flow point along the flow curve,determining a second flow point along the flow curve, calculating avolume change by integrating the flow curve from the first flow point tothe second flow point, and calculating the instantaneous volume from thepressure change and the volume change. In some embodiments, the firstpoint along the pressure curve is approximately at a start of theocclusion of air flow and the second point along the pressure curve isapproximately at an end of the occlusion of air flow. In someembodiments, the first flow point is a first point which reaches abaseline flow value following the occlusion of air flow and the secondflow point is a second point which reaches the baseline flow valuefollowing the first flow point. In other embodiments, the first flowpoint is a first point which reaches a baseline flow value following theocclusion of air flow and the second flow point is substantiallyequivalent in time to a point along the pressure curve of a localminimum of pressure.

In some embodiments, calculating the instantaneous volume in the lungsincludes calculating a rate of pressure change, determining a baselineflow prior to shutter occlusion, and calculating the instantaneousvolume based on the rate of pressure change and the baseline flow.

Embodiments of the present invention further include calculating TGV,FRC, RV and/or TLC based on the calculated instantaneous volume.

There is provided, in accordance with additional embodiments of thepresent invention, a system for determining respiratory parameters. Thesystem includes a respiration module having a housing with a first end,a second end, and a body connecting the first end and the second end,the body forming a cavity for air flow in a first direction, a shutterassembly having a movable portion positioned within the cavity, themovable portion movable in a second direction which is substantiallyorthogonal to the first direction. The movable portion is configured toblock and allow air flow. The system further includes a pressuremeasurement component positioned within the cavity for measuringpressure, and an air flow measurement component positioned within thecavity for measuring air flow in said cavity, and a control unitconfigured to receive pressure data from the pressure measurementcomponent and flow data from the air flow measurement component.

There is provided, in accordance with additional embodiments of thepresent invention, a system for determining respiratory parameters. Thesystem includes a respiration module having a housing with a first end,a second end, and a body connecting the first end and the second end,the body forming a cavity for air flow in a first direction, the cavityhaving a pre-shutter cavity component and a post-shutter cavitycomponent, and a shutter assembly with a movable portion positionedwithin the cavity. The movable portion is configured to move in a seconddirection such that an opening is created for movement of air flowthrough the post-shutter cavity component of the cavity, thepost-shutter cavity component having a flow area for movement of airflow past said movable portion, wherein a cross-sectional surface areaof the movable portion in the second direction is smaller than the flowarea of the post-shutter cavity component. The respiration modulefurther includes a pressure measurement component positioned within thecavity for measuring pressure in the cavity, and an air flow measurementcomponent positioned within the cavity for measuring air flow in thecavity. The system further includes a control unit configured to receivepressure data from the pressure measurement component and air flow datafrom the air flow measurement component.

There is provided, in accordance with yet additional embodiments of thepresent invention, a hand-held device for measurement of respiratoryparameters. The device includes a housing having a first end, a secondend, and a body connecting the first end and second end, the bodyforming a cavity for air flow. The device further includes a shutterassembly with a movable portion positioned within the cavity, wherein acycle is defined as a single closing and a single opening of the cavityto air flow via the movable portion, and wherein the movable portion isconfigured to move at a speed of at least 5 ms per cycle. The devicefurther includes a pressure measurement component positioned within thecavity for measurement of pressure within the cavity; and an air flowmeasurement component positioned within the cavity for measurement of aflow parameter within the cavity.

In accordance with further features, the respiration module may be ahand-held device that is positionable at a mouth of a user.

In some embodiments, the shutter assembly includes a housing having atleast one wall defining a chamber, and an air outlet in the wall,wherein the movable portion includes a sealing portion. In a firstconfiguration, the sealing portion abuts a portion of the chamberthereby blocking air flow through the chamber, and in a secondconfiguration the sealing portion does not abut the portion of thechamber, thereby allowing air flow through the chamber and out throughthe air outlet.

In other embodiments, the shutter assembly includes a housing defining achamber which is substantially cylindrical, a disk having edges and atleast one opening, the disk positioned within the chamber such that airis prevented from flowing around its edges, wherein the movable portionis a rotatable shutter for opening and closing of the one opening. Thedisk may be movable in a direction opposite to a direction of movementof the rotatable shutter.

In yet additional embodiments, the shutter mechanism includes an outercylinder with an outer slit along at least a portion of a length ofthereof, and the movable portion includes an inner rotatable cylinderhaving an inner slit along at least a portion of a length thereof. Theinner rotatable cylinder is positioned within the outer cylinder suchthat air is prevented from flowing between the outer cylinder and theinner rotatable cylinder, and wherein when the outer slit and the innerslit are aligned, the opening for said movement of air flow is created.The outer cylinder may be movable in a direction which is opposite to adirection of movement of said inner rotatable cylinder.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods andmaterials are described below. In case of conflict, the patentspecification, including definitions, will control. In addition, thematerials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intendedto be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and further advantages of the present invention may be betterunderstood by referring to the following description in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for measurement ofrespiration parameters, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustration of a control unit of the systemof FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustration of a respiration module of thesystem of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration showing the respiration module ofFIG. 3 with the addition of electronic components;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic illustrations showing a movable portionpositioned within a shutter assembly which is configured to move backand forth, shown in an open configuration and a sealed configuration,respectively;

FIG. 6 is a perspective illustration of an internal view of a portion ofa shutter assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are partially cut-away perspective illustrations ofthe shutter assembly of FIG. 6, shown in a sealed configuration and anopen configuration, respectively;

FIG. 8A is a cross sectional illustration of a chamber of the shutterassembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8B is a cross sectional illustration showing a sealing portion ofthe shutter assembly of FIG. 8A in greater detail;

FIG. 9A is a perspective illustration of a shutter assembly inaccordance with additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is a partially cut away view of the shutter assembly of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is a perspective illustration of a shutter assembly inaccordance with yet additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a graphical illustration showing volume changes over thecourse of a series of inspirations and expirations;

FIG. 12 is a graphical illustration of flow and pressure curves overtime obtained during exhalation with a shutter closing episode, showingfeatures used in a method of calculating V₀ in accordance withembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart diagram illustration of the method of FIG. 12and a method of calculating TGV, RV and TLC in accordance withembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a graphical illustration showing a method of measurement ofΔV;

FIG. 15 is a graphical illustration of a flow curve and a pressure curveover time obtained during exhalation with a shutter closing episode,showing features used in another method of calculating V₀ in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a flow chart diagram illustration of the method of FIG. 16and a method of calculating TGV, RV and TLC in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,elements shown in the drawings have not necessarily been drawnaccurately or to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of theelements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity orseveral physical components may be included in one functional block orelement. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals maybe repeated among the drawings to indicate corresponding or analogouselements. Moreover, some of the blocks depicted in the drawings may becombined into a single function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the presentinvention. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the artthat the present invention may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, componentsand structures may not have been described in detail so as not toobscure the present invention.

The present invention is directed to a system and methods fordetermination of lung parameters, and more particularly, determinationof Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) Thoracic Gas Volume (TGV), TotalLung Capacity (TLC) and Residual Volume (RV). The system and methods ofthe present application are designed to directly measure volume in thelungs with a handheld device, without the use of external chambers orbelts. The principles and operation of a system and methods according tothe present invention may be better understood with reference to thedrawings and accompanying descriptions.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present invention indetail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of beingpracticed or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposeof description and should not be regarded as limiting.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable sub-combination.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a schematic illustration of asystem 10 for measurement of respiration parameters, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. System 10 includes a respirationmodule 12 and a control unit 14. Respiration module 12 is typically ahand-held device that is positionable at a mouth of a user, and is usedfor inhalation and/or exhalation of air for the purposes of measuringrespiration parameters of the user. Respiration module 12 includes ahousing 16 having a first end 18 and a second end 20, and a housing body22 extending from first end 18 to second end 20 and defining a cavity 24therethrough. Respiration module 12 includes a shutter assembly 32 whichcan open or close to allow or prevent air flow therethrough and which iscontrolled by a motor 34. Respiration module may be designed tointroduce air flow resistance of less than 1.5cmH₂O/Liter/sec, inaccordance with ATS (American Thoracic Society) guidelines forrespiratory devices.

Housing 16 may further include at least one pressure measurementcomponent 26 and at least one air flow measurement component 28.Pressure measurement component 26 may be any suitable manometer orsensor for the measurement of absolute pressure with a data rate of atleast 500 Hz; and preferably at a data rate of at least 1000 Hz. Suchpressure sensors are readily available and may be acquired, for example,from Honeywell Catalog #40PC001B1A. Air flow measurement component 28may be fabricated for example from an air flow resistive means and adifferential pressure manometer, or alternatively from a Pitot tube anda differential pressure manometer. The differential pressure manometermay be any suitable sensor with a data rate of at least 500 Hz; andpreferably at a data rate of at least 1000 Hz. Such differentialpressure manometers are readily available and may be acquired (forexample, from Honeywell Catalog # DC002NDR4. Control unit 14 is inelectrical communication with pressure measurement component 26, airflow measurement component 28, and motor 34, which is used for openingand closing of a shutter mechanism, as will be described furtherhereinbelow.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a block diagram illustrationof control unit 14. Control unit 14 may include a converter 17 whichconverts analog data received from pressure measurement component 26 andair flow measurement component 28 into digital format at a rate of atleast once every 2 milliseconds (ms), and preferably at a rate at leastonce every 1 ms. Converter 17 converts digital signals into commands tomotor 34 for shutter assembly 32 to close and to open. Control unit 14further includes a microprocessor 19 which is programmed to: (a) readdigital data of pressure and flow received from the converter 17 inaccordance with real-time recording, at a rate commensurate with theconverter rate for each data channel and translate this digital datainto pressure and flow appropriate units and store them; (b) generatesignals which are sent through converter 17 to motor 34 to command theshutter to close or to open, and (c) process above mentioned flow andpressure data in accordance with real time recording, to calculate lungvolume and specifically calculate TGV, TLC and RV. Microprocessor 19also manages a Man-Machine Interface (MMI) that accepts operationcommands from an operator and displays results. Control unit 14 mayfurther include a display 15 for displaying the resulting values.Control unit 14 may further include a keyboard to enter subject'spersonal and medical information and to select desired operational modessuch as shuttering duration, timing, manual versus automatic operation,calibration procedures, etc.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a perspective viewillustration of respiration module 12 in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention. Respiration module 12 includes a mouthpiece 30for placement into a mouth of a user, a shutter assembly 32 attached to(but which may be removable from) mouthpiece 30, a motor 34 forcontrolling movements of shutter assembly 32, and a flow meter tube 36,which is the air flow resistive means used to calculate air flowparameters. Mouthpiece 30 may be any suitable mouthpiece such as, forexample, those available from A-M Systems, Inc. catalog number 156300.Shutter assembly 32 may have several different configurations, some ofwhich will be described in greater detail. Shutter assembly 32 isdesigned specifically to minimize air displacement during opening andclosing thereof. Motor 34 may be any suitable motor such as, forexample, a standard solenoid. Alternatively, motor 34 may be anyelectronically, pneumatically, hydraulically or otherwise operatedmotor. Finally, flow meter tube 36 is a section of respiration module 12which is distal to shutter assembly 32. In the present embodiment, flowmeter tube 36 is distal to shutter assembly 32 so that measurement ofair flow can be taken downstream of the open or closed shutter. However,flow meter tube 36 may also be positioned adjacent to pressuremeasurement component 26. Flow meter tube 36 may be calibrated inaccordance with known methods so as to account for variations in densitydue to differences in room temperature and body temperature.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 which is a schematic illustrationshowing the respiration module 12 of FIG. 3 with the addition ofelectronic components. An electronics module 38 may be positioned on ornext to shutter assembly 32. Electronics module 38 is configured toreceive data from pressure and flow measurements and to send thereceived data to control unit 14 for processing. In some embodiments,control unit 14 is attached to respiration module 12 (and moreparticularly, to electronics module 38) via wires. In other embodiments,wireless connections may be employed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4,pressure measurement component 26 is a pressure sensor positioned inclose proximity to mouthpiece 30 and shutter assembly 32 and is withinor in direct contact with electronics module 38, and air flowmeasurement component 28 is a flow meter tube 36 connected via tubes 42to a differential pressure sensor positioned on or within electronicsmodule 38. Thus, the pressure sensor receives an air pressure signalthrough an air pipe from shutter assembly 32 from a point betweenmouthpiece 30 and shutter assembly 32. The pressure sensor outputs anelectrical signal proportional to the air pressure in the pipe (relativeto the surrounding atmospheric pressure). The differential pressuresensor accepts two air pipes from flow meter tube 36. The differentialpressure sensor outputs an electronic signal proportional to thedifference in pressure between the two pipes, which may be convertedinto a flow signal. It should be readily apparent that the invention isnot limited to the embodiment shown herein and that in some embodiments,electronics module 38 may be positioned in a different location.

Shutter assembly 32 is used for breaking a stream of inhaled or exhaledair, located within cavity 24. Shutter assembly 32 is configured tooperate quietly so as not to create any reflexes or undesired responsesby the subject, thereby avoiding inaccuracies of measurement. Moreimportantly, shutter assembly 32 is configured to operate quickly, bothin terms of its shutting speed (i.e., the time it takes for the shutterto go from an open state to a closed state) and in terms of its shuttingduration (i.e., the period of time for which the shutter is closed). Theshutting speed is in some embodiments less than 10 ms, preferably lessthan 5 ms, and more preferably less than 2 ms. The shutting duration isin some embodiments less than 2 seconds and preferably less than 100 ms.This fast paced shutting speed and shutting duration are key features inthe present invention to provide the accuracy and reliability of themeasurement of TGV, TLC and RV. The need for high speed operation ofshutter assembly 32 and high rate of data acquisition (as describedabove with reference to control unit 14) results from the typicalresponse time of the lungs to abrupt occlusion of the airways whilebreathing. The response time of the lungs of a human being is in theorder of ms to tens of ms, and accurate recording of the details of theresponse of the lungs to such abrupt occlusion is essential for accuratecalculation of the internal volume of the lungs.

In addition to high speed, shutter assembly 32 is also configured toperform occlusion of cavity 24 with minimum, and preferably without any,displacement of air that may be recorded by the pressure sensor or theflow sensor. In order to provide rapid shutter movement with minimal airdisplacement, shutter assembly 32, as well as other embodiments ofshutter assembly in accordance with the present invention, is designedso that the open/close movement of the shutter is substantiallyorthogonal to the direction of air flow being measured. Thus, in oneembodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a movable portion 44 ispositioned within shutter assembly 32 and is configured to move back andforth in a first direction, as shown by arrow 48. A fixed portion 64 maybe present as well, wherein when movable portion 44 is in an openposition, movable portion 44 does not contact fixed portion 64 so as toallow for air flow, and when movable portion is in a closed position,movable portion 44 is in contact with fixed portion 64 so as to seal anyair flow pathways. Air flow which enters shutter assembly 32 isconfigured to move in a direction which is substantially orthogonal tothe movement of movable portion 44, as shown by arrow 46. In FIG. 5A,shutter assembly 32 is shown in an open configuration, wherein air flowis possible; in FIG. 5B, shutter assembly 32 is shown in a closedconfiguration, wherein air flow is stopped due to the movement ofmovable portion 44 and contact of movable portion 44 with fixed portion64. A more detailed example of this type of configuration will bedescribed hereinbelow.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a perspective illustration ofan internal view of a portion of shutter assembly 32, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. Shutter assembly 32 includes ashutter assembly housing 33 defining a chamber 35. Chamber 35 is aportion of cavity 24 of respiration module 12, described above withreference to FIG. 1. However, chamber 35 refers to the portion of cavity24 which is part of shutter assembly 32. Chamber 35 has a proximal end37, which is the end closest to mouthpiece 30 when mouthpiece is presentand which is proximal to movable portion 44 of shutter assembly 32, anda distal end 39, which is distal to movable portion 44 and which isclosed to air flow. Thus, air flows from proximal end 37 to distal end39, but is configured to exit chamber 35 via an outlet 56 positionedalong a wall of chamber 35. A fixed portion 64 is positioned at proximalend 37 of chamber 35. Movable portion 44 includes a flat surface 47, asealing portion 60 (not shown) and a connecting portion 54 connectingflat surface 47 to sealing portion. Movable portion 44 is positionedadjacent to and is movable with respect to fixed portion 64 via leadingpins 50 and springs 52 positioned there between.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, which are partiallycut-away perspective illustrations of shutter assembly 32 in a sealedconfiguration and an open configuration, respectively. As shown in FIG.7A, sealing portion 60 of movable portion 44 includes a circularcompartment 61 within which may be positioned a set of O-rings 62. Oneof O-rings 62 may be positioned against a chamber floor and the otherone of O-rings 62 may be positioned against a stair 63 of fixed portion64. When movable portion 44 is pushed towards fixed portion 64 (viamotor 34 such as a solenoid, for example) as shown in FIG. 7A, circularcompartment 61 fully encloses O-rings 62, thus preventing air flow. Whenmovable portion 44 is released, springs 52 push movable portion 44 awayfrom fixed portion 64, resulting in air space between O-rings 62 and thechamber floor. Thus, air can flow into chamber 35, and out throughoutlet 56 located on a wall of chamber 35. It is a feature of thepresent invention that the shutter assembly allows for minimal airdisplacement. This may be accomplished, for example, by providing asmall area of movement which can be used to displace a large amount ofair and which has available a large “flow area”, defined as an areaavailable for air flow. In the present example, this feature can be seenas follows. The area through which air flows is the area of sealing inthe vicinity of the O-rings, and is substantially proportional to thecircumference of the O-rings. Moreover, since flat surface 47 is full ofopenings 58, movement of movable portion 44 has a relatively smallsurface area. Thus, movements are contained to a small surface area,while allowing for a relatively large flow area in a post-shuttercomponent of cavity 24.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8A, which is a cross sectionalillustration of chamber 35 of shutter assembly 32. Fixed portion 64 isfixed to chamber 35 via screws 65 or other fixation means. Flat portion47, connecting portion 54 and sealing portion 60 of movable portion 44are all visible in cross section. Springs 52 positioned on pins 50 allowfor movement of movable portion 44 with respect to fixed portion 64.Reference is now made to FIG. 8B, which is a cross sectionalillustration showing sealing portion 60 in greater detail. Sealingportion 60 includes circular compartment 61 with O-rings 62 positionedtherein. O-rings 62 are positioned on fixed portion 64 and on the floorof chamber 35.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9A, which is a perspective illustration ofa shutter assembly 132 in accordance with additional embodiments of thepresent invention. Shutter assembly 132 includes a chamber 135 for airflow wherein chamber 135 is substantially cylindrical in shape. A motor134 is positioned at a first end of chamber 135 and is attached to arotatable shaft 150 running through a center of chamber 135. Motor 134is configured to provide rotational movements to rotatable shaft 150.Rotatable shaft 150 includes a proximal end 151 and a distal end 153.Motor 134 may be attached to distal end 153, although other locationsare possible as well. Motor 134 may be any motor suitable for providingsuch movements, such as a step motor, for example. At proximal end 151of rotatable shaft 150, there is positioned a disk 152 having openings154 for air flow. Disk 152 fits within chamber 135 such that air cannotflow around the sides of disk 152, but can only flow through openings154. A movable portion 144 comprises a rotating shutter 156 attached toproximal end 151 of rotatable shaft 152 and is configured to rotate uponactivation of motor 134. Rotation of rotating shutter 156 causesopenings 154 to be closed, thus blocking air flow. A direction of airflow, shown by arrows 146 is substantially orthogonal to a direction ofrotation of rotating shutter 156, depicted by arrow 148. Moreover, across-sectional surface area of movable portion 144 in the direction ofmovement of movable portion 144 is equivalent to the thickness of therotating disk, since movement occurs in the rotational plane. Thissurface area is much smaller than the flow area just past rotatingshutter 156. In one embodiment, disk 152 may be rotatable in a directionopposite to the rotation of rotating shutter 156. This provides fastershuttering speeds than one moving part.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9B, which is a partially cut away view ofdisk 152, openings 154, and movable portion 144—which is rotatingshutter 156.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10, which is a perspective illustration ofa shutter assembly 180, in accordance with yet additional embodiments ofthe present invention. Shutter assembly 180 includes an outer cylinder182 with an outer slit 184 along at least a portion of a length thereof.Outer slit 184 is preferably long and narrow. A movable portion 186includes an inner rotatable cylinder 188 having an inner slit 190 alongat least a portion of a length thereof. Inner rotatable cylinder 188 ispositioned within said outer cylinder 182 such that air is preventedfrom flowing between outer cylinder 182 and inner rotatable cylinder188. When outer slit 184 and inner slit 190 are aligned, an opening iscreated for movement of air flow in a direction of arrows 192 and arrows194. Inner rotatable cylinder 188 rotates in one direction. In someembodiments, outer cylinder 182 may rotate as well, in an oppositedirection of inner rotatable cylinder 188. This provides fastershuttering speeds than one moving part.

In addition, the shape of inner slit 190 and outer slit 184 may beconfigured so as to minimize shuttering time while maximizing air flow.For this reason, a rectangular shape may be used, wherein a narrow widthallows for rapid opening and closing, while the length provides arelatively large flow area.

Methods of Calculation:

The basic concept of the methods of the present invention is thatestimation of RV, TLC and TGV may be done based on measurements of thechange of volume of gas in the lungs, ΔV, and the accompanying pressurechange in the lungs, ΔP, during a short interruption to the breathing ofthe patient. The interruption is achieved by a quick shutter that shutsthe mouth of the patient for a short period of time, either duringexhalation or during inhalation. Devices which may be used for quickshuttering with minimal air displacement which may be used in themethods of the present invention are described above with reference toFIGS. 1-10. Quick shuttering is critical in order to obtain resolutionnecessary to discern parameters which may be measured to obtain volumevalues.

The first parameter which must be obtained is V₀, the instantaneousvolume of gas in the lungs at a given point in time. For the purposes ofthe present invention, V₀ is taken as the volume of gas within the lungsupon the shutter event. V₀ may be obtained in many different ways. Twodifferent methods for obtaining V₀ are described hereinbelow as Method Aand Method B. Once V₀ is obtained, the following method may be used toobtain TGV.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11, which is a graphical illustrationshowing a volume curve 701 over the course of a series of inspirationsand expirations, which are not necessarily tidal respirations.Inspirations 702 are shown on the curve going from top to bottom, andexpirations 704 are shown going from bottom to top. TLC is determined bya first full inspiration 706 and a second full inspiration 708 taken tofull capacity. Thus, a patient is asked to fully inhale at least twicein each session in order to determine TLC level 710, preferably at thebeginning and at the end of each measurement session, to account forpotential drifting of volume along the series of inspirations andexpirations exercised by the subject. TLC level 710 is obtained directlyfrom these two full inspirations. Following second full inspiration 708,the patient is asked to exhale fully in order to obtain a fullexpiration 712. RV level 714 is obtained directly from full expiration712, and in parallel to TLC level 710. The amplitude from RV level 714to TLC level 710 equals VC 713.

At several points along the volume curve 701, a shutter event isinitiated, and V₀ is calculated by one of methods A or B. Shutter eventsare shown in FIG. 11 as points 716. Each of the shutter events may takeplace at different points along either an inspiration 702 or expiration704 cycle. The difference in volume between V₀ measured at a shutterevent 716 and RV level 714, is RV_(ADJ) 718, as computed at thatspecific timing. RV_(ADJ) 718 stands for all of the volume of air that asubject would have maximally expired during a cycle should the subjecthave been asked to maximally expire. Thus, once V₀ is calculated by oneof methods A or B per a single shutter event 716, RV is obtained asfollows:

RV=V ₀−RV_(ADJ)

RV_(ADJ) 718 may be large or small depending on when the shutter eventis initiated. However, it is necessarily smaller than VC 713, whichequals the difference between TLC level 710 and RV level 714. Once RVhas been calculated, TLC can be obtained as follows:

TLC=RV+VC

and TGV can be obtained by:

TGV=RV+ERV

where ERV (Expiratory Reserve Volume), is obtained by a standardspirometry measurement.

Methods A and B for determination of V₀ will now be described.

Method A:

Starting from the ideal gas law

PV=nkT

where P is the pressure, V the volume, n the number of gas molecules andT the gas temperature, we obtain for the gas in the lungs which ismaintained at a fixed temperature (also known as Boyle's Law)

P ₀ V ₀=Const.

If the lungs contract by some volume ΔV, then the pressure in the lungsrises by an amount ΔP, so that

P ₀ V ₀=(V ₀ −ΔV)(P ₀ +ΔP)

which yields,

V ₀ =ΔV/ΔP(P ₀ +ΔP)

If the changes in volume and pressure are small compared to the absolutevalues V₀ and P₀,

$V_{0} = {P_{0}\frac{\Delta \; V}{\Delta \; P}}$

Hence, by measuring the change in lung volume and the change in thepressure inside the lungs, and knowing the base pressure—whichapproximates the atmospheric pressure—the internal volume of the lungsat the moment of shutting, V₀, may be extracted.

Reference is now made to FIG. 12, which is a graphical illustration offlow and pressure curves over time obtained during exhalation with ashutter closing episode. It should be readily apparent that the scale ofFIG. 12 is much smaller than the scale of FIG. 11, as FIG. 12 is adepiction of one single shutter event 716 as it relates to FIG. 11. Apre-shutter period 210 is followed by a shutter event 212, which isfollowed by a post-shutter period 214. Pressure is shown on the uppercurve 202 and flow is shown on lower curve 204. Flow decreases to zeroduring shutter event 212, then rises again, and forms an “overshoot”which relaxes back to the normal flow rate, as the extra volume of gasthat was compressed in the lungs during the shutter event is exhaled.The pressure rises sharply when the shutter is closed and then may risefurther to a peak just before the shutter opens. Also apparent in FIG.12 is that during shutter event 212, a small amount of air (compared toΔV) may escape through the shutter because of less than ideal shutting.This amount of air, referred to as the Escaped Volume and denoted asΔV_(Esc) is readily calculated by integrating the flow over shutterevent 212. The correction that the escaped volume introduces into theformula for calculating V₀

$V_{0} = {P_{0}{\frac{{\Delta \; V} - {\Delta \; V_{Esc}}}{\Delta \; P}.}}$

A method for determining V₀, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention is described. According to this method, referred toherein as method A, the change in pressure (ΔP=P₂−P₁) is measured duringthe shutter event (i.e. during the time the shutter is closed), and thechange in volume (ΔV) is measured after the shutter is opened. Accordingto this method, the accumulated gas which generates the pressure riseduring the shutting is released and measured after the shutter opens.Thus, it is important to quantify the volume which is released due tothe shutter event only, and to distinguish this released volume from thevolume changes which occur due to regular expiration.

Reference is now made to FIG. 13, which is a flow chart diagramillustration of a method 400 of calculating TGV, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. First, a system for measuringvolume changes in the lungs is provided (step 402). The system includesa respiratory module with means to occlude air flow. Next, a command isgiven (step 404) to the system to occlude air flow within therespiratory module of the system at various stages of inspiration and/orexpiration. The command may be given manually or automatically, or as acombination of both. For a given occlusion event, change in pressure(ΔP) during the occlusion event is calculated (step 406) and change involume (ΔV) due to released volume due to the occlusion event iscalculated (step 408).

Calculation of ΔP can be done as follows. First, a first pressure P₁ isdetermined (step 410), wherein P₁ represents the pressure at thebeginning of the occlusion event. P₁ is generally determined at a pointat which the pressure curve has finished its initial sharp slope andbegins a more moderate slope following closing of the shutter, alsoreferred hereinafter the “knee region”, as to reflect the general shapeof the curve at P₁. Next, a second pressure P₂ is determined (step 412),wherein P₂ represents the pressure at the moment at which the shutterstarts to open. Next, the difference between second pressure P₂ andfirst pressure P₁ is calculated (step 414), resulting in a value for ΔP.

Calculation of ΔV can be done as follows. First, f₀ is determined (step416), wherein f₀ represents the flow just prior to the occlusion event.This can be done by determining an average of flow measurement data overa range of up to 20 ms prior to closing of the shutter or may bemeasured via one appropriate data point in the flow measurement rawdata. Next, the portion of the flow curve which exceeds f₀ is determined(step 420). A baseline, referred to as the f₀ baseline, is shown in FIG.12, stretching between f₁ and f₂. Finally, the integral of the portionof the flow curve determined in step 420 is calculated (step 422),resulting in ΔV, as illustrated in FIG. 12 by the darkened area 208.

In an alternative embodiment, calculation of ΔV is done by performing(step 424) a best fit of a function, for example, of the formA+B*exp(−C*t), to the flow curve, over the range that starts at least 5ms after the shutter opens and the flow curve starts to rise, and endsat most 100 ms after the shutter opens, where t is the time measured atthe point in time when the shutter opens and the flow curve starts torise, and A, B and C are the fit parameters. Then ΔV=B/C is calculated(step 426). It should be noted that the time period over whichmeasurements are taken may vary depending on shutter event duration orother parameters. It will be appreciated that the invention is notlimited to the methods described herein, and that any method whichcalculates an excess of air which is exhaled immediately following theopening of the shutter is included within the scope of the presentinvention. Moreover, the methods of present invention are not dependenton specific shutter event duration parameters. Any parameters whichallow for the calculation of the values in accordance with the methodspresented herein are within the scope of the present invention.

Once ΔV and ΔP are obtained, V₀ is calculated (step 428) from ΔV and ΔP,in accordance with the equation V₀=(P₀+ΔP)ΔV/ΔP. Finally, RV, TLC andTGV are calculated (step 430) based on V₀, as described above withreference to FIG. 11.

Determination of P₁ is critical. However, its exact location may beobscured by oscillations on the pressure signal immediately followingshutter closing for as long as 30 ms. In one embodiment, determinationof P₁ is done by performing an extrapolation of the smooth portion ofthe pressure signal, backwards to the “knee region”, hence overcomingthe problem of the oscillations in the immediate vicinity of P₁.

Reference is now made to FIG. 14, which is a graphical illustrationshowing an alternative measurement of ΔV. According to this method, ΔVis obtained by integrating the flow curve above the f₀ baseline, asdescribed above in FIG. 12. However, the integration is done from thepoint where the flow crosses f₀ when the shutter opens until anidentifiable point t₄, which is typically different from the point intime when the flow crosses again the level of f₀ on its decrease.

The point t₄ is identified on the pressure curve, as the point whereexponential decrease of the pressure, associated with the relief ofexcess of air from the lungs, has stopped. This point may be identifiedby viewing the pressure curve on a logarithmic scale as in FIG. 14, andidentifying a knee-shaped pattern on the curve, marked on the graph ast₄. In FIG. 14, the pressure curve is shown on a linear scale 203 and ona logarithmic scale 205. The point t₄ is marked as the end of the lineardecrease of the logarithmic scale 205. It should be noted that thebaseline can be varied by assuming that the normal motion of the lungsaccelerates linearly from an initial flow rate proportional to f₀ to theflow rate at t₄.

Example Using Method A:

An example of a measurement taken by measuring ΔP and ΔV wherein ΔP ismeasured during the time the shutter is closed, and ΔV is measuredduring the time the shutter is open, in accordance with method A is nowgiven. In the current example, a patient was requested to inhale fullyto the TLC level, and then to immediately exhale fully to the RV level,once at the beginning of the measurement and once at the end of themeasurement.

In this example, RV_(ADJ) 718 (FIG. 11)=0.81 L. On pressure curve 202(FIG. 12) a smooth function is fitted to the curve along the first 50 msand extrapolated backwards to the point it crosses the pressure curve,P₁. P₂ is noted at the instant just prior to the opening of the shutterand the sharp decrease of the pressure signal. In this example P₁=3.99mmHg and P₂=15.20 mmHg, hence ΔP=11.21 mmHg. The excess volume which isreleased after the shutter opening ΔV, is the area under the flow curveand above f₀ baseline, which in this example stands for ΔV=0.042 L.

From here V₀ according to Method A is readily calculated as

$V_{0{\lbrack A\rbrack}} = {{P_{0}\frac{\Delta \; V}{\Delta \; P}} = {{760\frac{0.042}{11.21}} = {2.84L}}}$

Accordingly, RV is found to be

RV_([A]) =V _(0[A])−RV_(ADJ)=2.84−0.81=2.03L

Method B:

The basic theory behind method B is as follows: Starting from

P ₀ V ₀=Const.,

assuming P and V are homogeneous and quasi steady, differentiation overtime provides:

${{P_{0}\frac{dV}{dt}} + {V_{0}\frac{dP}{dt}}} = 0$

where P₀ and V₀ are the pressure and volume of the system at any givenmoment. Now

$\frac{dV}{dt}$

is the rate of contraction of the lungs' volume, and if we assumecontinuity of motion over the short period of time of the shutterclosing, we conclude that it is equal to the flow rate from the mouthjust prior to the closing of the shutter. Hence rearranging the lastequation gives

$V_{0} = {{{- P_{0}}\frac{{dV}/{dt}}{{dP}/{dt}}} = \frac{P_{0} \cdot f_{0}}{{dP}/{dt}}}$

where V₀ is the lungs' volume, P₀ approximates the atmospheric pressure,f₀ is the flow rate just prior to the shutter closing and

$\frac{dP}{dt}$

is the slope of pressure rise (as a function of time) just after theshutter closing.

The rate of change of the volume of the lungs is equal to f₀, the flowjust prior to the closing of the shutter, and the rate of change of thepressure is measured right after the shutter closes. Assuming continuityin the physical movement of body tissues during breathing, the lungs,which contract at a roughly constant pace during breathing, willcontinue to contract at the same pace for a short time interval afterthe shutter closes, and hence contribute to the rise in pressure.

Reference is now made to FIG. 15, which is a graphical illustration of aflow curve 204 and a pressure curve 202 over time obtained duringexhalation with a shutter closing episode. According to this method,referred to herein as method B, the rate of change in pressure (dP/dt)is determined during the shutter event (i.e. during the time the shutteris closed), and the instantaneous volume (V₀) is calculated rather thanobtained by directly measuring a change of volume, ΔV.

Reference is now made to FIG. 16, which is a flow chart diagramillustration of a method 500 of calculating TGV, RV and TLC inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. First, a systemfor measuring volume changes in the lungs is provided (step 502). Thesystem includes a respiratory module with means to occlude air flow.Next, a command is given (step 504) to the system to occlude air flowwithin the respiratory module of the system at various stages ofinspiration and/or expiration. The command may be given manually orautomatically, or as a combination of both. For a given occlusion event,rate of pressure change (dP/dt) during the occlusion event is calculated(step 506). dP/dt is determined within the first 100 ms followingshutter occlusion. During that lapse of time, intrapulmonary pressuregenerally climbs in comparison to pre-shutter closure level. Rate ofvolume change (dV/dt) is flow (f₀), which is determined (step 508) asdescribed above with reference to Method A. Volume V₀ is calculated(step 510) from the equation above, plugging in the values for dP/dt andf₀. Finally, TGV, RV and TLC are calculated (step 512) as describedabove with reference to FIG. 11.

The flow rate f₀ is easily determined just prior to the shutterocclusion. However there are a few alternatives for finding the correctslope in the pressure (dP/dt) immediately following the closing of theshutter, without being affected by noise or other disturbances caused byshutter operation. Some of the options are as follows:

1. Measure the slope of the pressure curve (dP/dt) at the very beginningof the pressure rise following shutter occlusion;2. Measure the slope (dP/dt) after an identifiable point on the pressurecurve, which may represent the point of equating the pressure in thelungs to pressure at the mouth;3. Ignore the first oscillation in the pressure curve and extrapolatebackwards the main body of the pressure curve to the beginning of thepressure rise. This extrapolation results in the calculation of thepressure curve slope (dP/dt).

As shown in FIG. 15, the flow rate just prior to the shutting event isdetermined by the average of the flow rate over approximately 20 msprior to the shutting event, depicted by line 300. This type ofaveraging is quite powerful, and even in cases of low flow rates,(around 0.2 L/sec, for example), when the noise may be as high as ±0.05L/sec, averaging may take the uncertainty down by a factor of ˜4.5,namely bring it to around ±5%, which is tolerable.

The slope of the pressure curve (dP/dt) is estimated by fitting a curvedsmooth function to the pressure curve along the first 30 ms starting atthe “knee region”. In this way the exact starting point, and any otherspecific point in this region, does not have a crucial effect on thefinal result. Hence, the result is relatively unaffected by the exactselection of the fitting range by the operator, or by the existence ofthe typical oscillation at the “knee region”, as long as it is not toolarge.

As to the fit function, an exponential of the form A−B exp(−C−t) (whereA, B and C are the fit parameters) can be used. This function has beenfound by trial and error as a function that fits to the various shapesthat the pressure curve presents in this region. The slope is calculatedat the starting point of the curve (namely at t=0) as B·C.

Variations to method B may include, for example, the fitting of anygeneral smooth function to the pressure curve, and estimating the slopeat any given point t>t₀. For example, the fit function may be of theform:

f=A−B·exp(−C·t)+D·t

As one example, the fit range may be changed from 30 ms to 50 ms, andthe evaluation of the slope may be done at t=5 ms. The slope is thusgiven in this example by

f=B·C·exp(−C·t)+D| _(t=5)

Another variation of Method B may be the fitting of a sinusoidalcomponent to the oscillations, which could help difficulties in fittinga smooth function to the pressure curve when the oscillations on thepressure curve following the shutter closing are large. Thus, the fitfunction may be of the form

f=A−B·exp(−C·t)+D·t+E·sin(F·t+G)

The sinusoidal component then fits to the oscillations, and the smoothcomponent emulates the net slope of the pressure curve. The slope of thesmooth portion of the fit function at any point t may be again evaluatedby

f=B·C·exp(−C·t)+D| _(t).

Example Using Method B:

Referring again to FIG. 16, to calculate V₀ according to Method B wefind f₀ to be f₀=1.22 L/sec. The slope of the interpolated smoothfunction, estimated 10 ms after the shutter closing (namely after point)to minimize the effects of the oscillations following the shutterclosing, is 333 mmHg/sec. According to method B we thus find

$V_{0{\lbrack B\rbrack}} = {\frac{P_{0}F_{0}}{{dP}/{dt}} = {{760\frac{1.22}{333}} = {2.78\mspace{14mu} L}}}$

hence

RV_([B]) =V _(0[B])−RV_(ADJ)=2.78−0.81=1.97L

To summarize, the examples provided in Method A and Method B providesubstantially the same result, which is also in agreement with themeasured RV for this individual, which is approximately 2.0 L, measuredby body plethysmography. Small differences between the results of thetwo methods as well as the difference with respect to results using bodyplethysmography are associated with measurement noise and may be reducedthrough averaging.

Example with Results

The tables below detail typical results obtained from measurement of ahuman volunteer. During measurement, the volunteer would breathenormally through the device which was attached to his mouth through amouthpiece, so as to ensure that there is absolutely no escape of airbetween the lips and the mouthpiece. A nose clip ensures there is noescape of air through the nose. While breathing, the volunteer holds hishands on his cheeks, to prevent sudden blowing of the cheeks when theshutter closes. The device recorded flow and pressure data continuously.

Each measurement consisted of a series of breathing cycles, while ineach exhale portion the shutter was shut momentarily and opened again.In the last breathing cycle the volunteer was asked to exhale forcefullyand fully, so that by the end of the last breathing cycle it is assumedthe volume of the lungs reaches the volunteer's RV level. During theshutter event the flow signal drops abruptly to zero and the pressurerises sharply as the pressure in the lungs grows.

Table 1 presents results of 6 measurements taken over a period of twoweeks. The table compares RV results that were calculated using Method A(presented as RV_([A])) and RV results that were calculated using MethodB (presented as RV_([B])). The average of all six measurements iscompared to the body plethysmograph RV results of the same individual,obtained in accordance with ATS guidelines. VC results measured were inagreement with VC results calculated by a body plethysmograph, and thus,TLC results were in agreement with body plethysmpgraph's results aswell.

TABLE 1 Body Plethys- 1 2 3 4 5 6 average mograph RV_([A]) 2.46 2.352.29 2.28 2.29 2.48 2.36 2.39 RV_([B]) 2.17 2.41 2.43 2.15 2.20 2.452.30 2.39

The results shown in the tables above show that there is agreementbetween the results obtained by the industry standard (ie, bodyplethysmograph), and the results obtained by the device and method ofthe present invention. These results show that the device and method ofthe present invention adequately measure a person's RV, TGV and TLC.

While certain features of the present invention have been illustratedand described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, andequivalents may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is,therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended tocover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spiritof the present invention.

What is claimed:
 1. A respiratory measurement device to measure lungvolumes, comprising: a respiration module for inhalation or exhalation,including: an electric motor, a motor-controlled shutter positionedwithin the respiration module and movable via the electric motor, a flowmeasurement component, and a pressure measurement component; and acontrol unit, including: a converter to: (i) convert analog datareceived from the flow measurement component and the pressuremeasurement component into a digital format, (ii) convert digitalsignals into commands for the electric motor, and a processor inelectrical communication with the electric motor, the flow measurementcomponent, and the pressure measurement component via the converter,wherein the processor is to: command the electric motor to occlude airflow with the motor-controlled shutter during an inhalation orexhalation, obtain by the low measurement component a mouth flow curvein at least one of a time duration prior to said occlusion or a timeduration subsequent to said occlusion, wherein the processor measuressaid time duration based at least in part on when the command wasprovided to the electric motor, obtain by the pressure measurementcomponent a mouth pressure curve in a time duration during saidocclusion, wherein the processor measures said time duration based atleast in part on when the command was provided to the electric motor,calculate a rate of pressure change, determine a baseline flow prior tosaid occlusion, calculate an absolute lung volume during said occlusionbased on said rate of pressure change and said baseline flow, and outputsaid calculated absolute lung volume for a pulmonary diagnosis.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein said occlusion of air flow is accomplished inone of: (1) less than 25 ms, (2) less than 5 ms, or (3) less than 2 ms.3. The device of claim 1, wherein obtaining a mouth flow curve in atleast one of a time duration prior to said occlusion or a time durationsubsequent to said occlusion comprises: measuring a plurality ofdifferential pressures between a portion of the respiration module andan ambient environment; determining, with the processor, a plurality ofvolumetric flow rates based on the measured plurality of differentialpressures; and determining, with the processor, the mouth flow curvebased on the determined plurality of volumetric flow rates.
 4. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the processor is further to: calculate anadditional lung volume parameter based on said calculated absolutevolume.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein said additional lung volumeparameter comprises at least one of: TGV, FRC, RV or TLC.
 6. The deviceof claim 1, wherein calculating a rate of pressure change comprises atleast one of: calculating said rate of pressure change immediatelysubsequent to an initiation of said occlusion; calculating said rate ofpressure change within 100 ms subsequent to an initiation of saidocclusion; calculating said rate of pressure change at a beginning of arise of pressure subsequent to an initiation of said occlusion; orcalculating said rate of pressure change at a point in which a lungpressure is equal to a mouth pressure.
 7. The device of claim 1, whereinsaid determined baseline flow comprises a rate of change of lung volume.8. The device of claim 7, wherein determining a baseline flow prior tosaid occlusion comprises determining said rate of change of lung volumejust prior to said occlusion.
 9. The device of claim 8, whereindetermining said rate of change of lung volume just prior to saidocclusion comprises determining an average rate of change of lung volumeover about 20 ms prior to said occlusion.
 10. The device of claim 1,wherein calculating a rate of pressure change comprises at least one of:performing a smooth curve fit to about 30 ms of said mouth pressurecurve; performing an exponential curve fit to said mouth pressure curve;or performing a sinusoidal curve fit to said mouth pressure curve. 11.The device of claim 1, wherein calculating said absolute volume based onsaid rate of pressure change and said baseline flow comprisesdetermining a ratio of said baseline flow to said rate of pressurechange.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the calculated absolute lungvolume is associated with a patient and said output from the respiratorymeasurement device is received by a user who performs the pulmonarydiagnosis of the patient.
 13. A respiratory measurement device tomeasure lung volumes, comprising: a respiration module for inhalation orexhalation, including: an electric motor, a motor-controlled shutterpositioned with the respiration module and movable via the electricmotor, a flow measurement component, and a pressure measurementcomponent; and a control unit, including: a converter to: (i) convertanalog data received from the flow measurement component and thepressure measurement component into a digital format, (ii) convertdigital signals into commands for the electric motor, and a processor inelectrical communication with the electric motor, the flow measurementcomponent, and the pressure measurement component via the converter,wherein the processor is to: command the electric motor to occlude airflow by the motor-controlled shutter during an inhalation or exhalation,obtain by the flow measurement component a mouth flow curve in a timeduration subsequent to said occlusion, wherein the processor measuressaid time duration based at least in part on when the command wasprovided to the motor-controlled shutter, obtain by the pressuremeasurement component a mouth pressure curve in a time duration duringsaid occlusion, wherein the processor measures said time duration basedat least in part on when the command was provided to the electric motor,determine a first pressure at a first point along said pressure curve;determining a second pressure at a second point along said pressurecurve; calculate a pressure change by calculating a difference betweensaid first pressure and said second pressure; determine a first flowpoint along said flow curve, wherein said first flow point is a firstpoint which reaches a baseline flow value following said occlusion ofair flow, determine a second flow point along said flow curve, whereinsaid second flow point is a second point which reaches said baselineflow value following said first flow point, calculate a volume change byintegrating said flow curve from said first flow point to said secondflow point, calculate an absolute lung volume during said occlusion fromsaid pressure change and said volume change, and output said calculatedabsolute lung volume for a pulmonary diagnosis.
 14. The device of claim13, wherein the processor is further to: calculate an additional lungvolume parameter based on said calculated absolute volume.
 15. Thedevice of claim 14, wherein said additional lung volume parametercomprises at least one of: TGV, FRC, RV or TLC.
 16. The device of claim13, wherein said occlusion of air flow is accomplished in one of: (1)less than 25 ms, (2) less than 5 ms, or (3) less than 2 ms.
 17. Thedevice of claim 13, wherein said first point along said pressure curveis approximately at a start of said occlusion of air flow and saidsecond point along said pressure curve is approximately or exactly at anend of said occlusion of air flow.
 18. The device of claim 13, whereinobtaining a mouth flow curve in a time duration subsequent to saidocclusion comprises: measuring a plurality of differential pressuresbetween a portion of the respiration module and an ambient environment;determining, with the processor, a plurality of volumetric flow ratesbased on the measured plurality of differential pressures; anddetermining, with the processor, the mouth flow curve based on thedetermined plurality of volumetric flow rates.
 19. A respiratorymeasurement device to measure lung volumes, comprising: a respirationmodule for inhalation or exhalation, including: an electric motor, amotor-controlled shutter positioned with the respiration module andmovable via the electric motor, a flow measurement component, and apressure measurement component; and a control unit, including: aconverter to: (i) convert analog data received from the flow measurementcomponent and the pressure measurement component into a digital format,(ii) convert digital signals into commands for the electric motor, and aprocessor in electrical communication with the electric motor, the flowmeasurement component, and the pressure measurement component via theconverter, wherein the processor is to: command the electric motor toocclude air flow with the motor-controlled shutter during an inhalationor exhalation, obtain by the flow measurement component, a mouth flowcurve in a time duration prior to said occlusion and a time durationsubsequent to said occlusion, wherein the processor measures said timeduration based at least in part on when the command was provided to theelectric motor, obtain by the pressure measurement component of saiddevice, a mouth pressure curve in a time duration during said occlusion,wherein the processor measures said time duration based at least in parton when the command was provided to the electric motor, determine afirst pressure at a first point along said pressure curve, determine asecond pressure at a second point along said pressure curve calculate apressure change by calculating a difference between said first pressureand said second pressure, determine a first flow point along said flowcurve, wherein said first flow point is a first point which reaches abaseline flow value following said occlusion of air flow, determine asecond flow point along said flow curve, wherein said second flow pointis a second point which reaches said baseline flow value following saidfirst flow point, calculate a volume change by integrating said flowcurve from said first flow point to said second flow point, calculate anabsolute lung volume during said occlusion from said pressure change andsaid volume change, and output said calculated absolute lung volume fora pulmonary diagnosis.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the processoris further to: calculate an additional lung volume parameter based onsaid calculated absolute volume.
 21. The device of claim 20, whereinsaid additional lung volume parameter comprises at least one of: TGV,FRC, RV or TLC.
 22. The device of claim 19, wherein said occlusion ofair flow is accomplished in one of: (1) less than 25 ms, (2) less than 5ms, or (3) less than 2 ms.
 23. The device of claim 19, wherein saidfirst point along said pressure curve is approximately at a start ofsaid occlusion of air flow and said second point along said pressurecurve is approximately or exactly at an end of said occlusion of airflow.
 24. The device of claim 19, wherein obtaining a mouth flow curvein a time duration prior to said occlusion and a time durationsubsequent to said occlusion comprises: measuring a plurality ofdifferential pressures between a portion of the respiration module andan ambient environment; determining, with the processor, a plurality ofvolumetric flow rates based on the measured plurality of differentialpressures; and determining, with the processor, the mouth flow curvebased on the determined plurality of volumetric flow rates.
 25. Thedevice of claim 19, wherein obtaining a mouth flow curve in a timeduration prior to said occlusion comprises determining a baseline flowthat comprises a rate of change of lung volume.
 26. The device of claim25, wherein determining a baseline flow that comprises a rate of changeof lung volume comprises determining said rate of change of lung volumejust prior to said occlusion.
 27. The device of claim 26, whereindetermining said rate of change of lung volume just prior to saidocclusion comprises determining an average rate of change of lung volumeover about 20 ms prior to said occlusion.
 28. A respiratory measurementdevice to measure lung volumes, comprising: respiration module forinhalation or exhalation, the respiration module including: an electricmotor, a motor-controlled shutter positioned with the respiration moduleand movable via the electric motor, a flow measurement component, and apressure measurement component; and a control unit, including: aconverter to: (i) convert analog data received from the flow measurementcomponent and the pressure measurement component into a digital format,(ii) convert digital signals into commands for the electric motor, and aprocessor in electrical communication with the electric motor, the flowmeasurement component, and the pressure measurement component via theconverter, wherein the processor is to: command the electric motor toocclude air flow with the motor-controlled shutter during an inhalationor exhalation, obtain with the flow measurement component a mouth flowcurve in a time duration subsequent to said occlusion, wherein theprocessor measures said time duration based at least in part on when thecommand was provided to the electric motor, obtaining, by the processorwith a pressure measurement component of said device, a mouth pressurecurve in a time duration during said occlusion, wherein the processormeasures said time duration based at least in part on when the commandwas provided to the electric motor, determine a first pressure at afirst point along said pressure curve, determine a second pressure at asecond point along said pressure curve, calculate a pressure change bycalculating a difference between said first pressure and said secondpressure, determine a first flow point along said flow curve, whereinsaid first flow point is a first point which reaches a baseline flowvalue following said occlusion of air flow, determine a second flowpoint along said flow curve, wherein said second flow point issubstantially equivalent in time to a point along said pressure curve ata local minimum of pressure, calculate a volume change by integratingsaid flow curve from said first flow point to said second flow point,calculate am absolute lung volume during said occlusion from saidpressure change and said volume change, and output said calculatedabsolute lung volume for a pulmonary diagnosis.
 29. The device of claim28, wherein the processor is further to: calculate an additional lungvolume parameter based on said calculated absolute volume.
 30. Thedevice of claim 29, wherein said additional lung volume parametercomprises at least one of: TGV, FRC, RV or TLC.
 31. The device of claim28, wherein said occlusion of air flow is accomplished in one of: (1)less than 25 ms, (2) less than 5 ms, or (3) less than 2 ms.
 32. Thedevice of claim 28, wherein obtaining a mouth flow curve in a timeduration subsequent to said occlusion comprises: measuring a pluralityof differential pressures between a portion of the respiration moduleand an ambient environment; determining, with the processor, a pluralityof volumetric flow rates based on the measured plurality of differentialpressures; and determining, with the processor, the mouth flow curvebased on the determined plurality of volumetric flow rates.
 33. Thedevice of claim 28, wherein said first point along said pressure curveis approximately at a start of said occlusion of air flow and saidsecond point along said pressure curve is approximately or exactly at anend of said occlusion of air flow.
 34. A respiratory measurement deviceto measure lung volumes, the method comprising: a respiration module forinhalation or exhalation, the respiration module including: an electricmotor, a motor-controlled shutter positioned with the respiration moduleand movable via the electric motor, a flow measurement component, and apressure measurement component; and a control unit, including: aconverter to: (i) convert analog data received from the flow measurementcomponent and the pressure measurement component into a digital format,(ii) convert digital signals into commands for the electric motor, and aprocessor in electrical communication with the electric motor, the flowmeasurement component, and the pressure measurement component via theconverter, wherein the processor is to: command the electric motor toocclude air flow with the motor-controlled shutter during an inhalationor exhalation, obtain with the flow measurement component a mouth flowcurve in a time duration prior to said occlusion and a time durationsubsequent to said occlusion, wherein the processor measures said timeduration based at least in part on when the command was provided to theelectric motor, obtain with the pressure measurement component a mouthpressure curve in a time duration during said occlusion, wherein theprocessor measures said time duration based at least in part on when thecommand was provided to the electric motor, determine a first pressureat a first point along said pressure curve, determine a second pressureat a second point along said pressure curve, calculate a pressure changeby calculating a difference between said first pressure and said secondpressure, determine a first flow point along said flow curve, whereinsaid first flow point is a first point which reaches a baseline flowvalue following said occlusion of air flow, determine a second flowpoint along said flow curve, wherein second flow point is substantiallyequivalent in time to a point along said pressure curve at a localminimum of pressure, calculate a volume change by integrating said flowcurve from said first flow point to said second flow point, calculate anabsolute lung volume during said occlusion from said pressure change andsaid volume change, and output said calculated absolute lung volume fora pulmonary diagnosis.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the processoris further to: calculate an additional lung volume parameter based onsaid calculated absolute volume.
 36. The device of claim 35 wherein saidadditional lung volume parameter comprises at least one of: TGV, FRC, RVor TLC.
 37. The device of claim 34, wherein said occlusion of air flowis accomplished in one of: (1) less than 25 ms, (2) less than 5 ms, or(3) less than 2 ms.
 38. The device of claim 34, wherein obtaining amouth flow curve in a time duration prior to said occlusion and a timeduration subsequent to said occlusion comprises: measuring a pluralityof differential pressures between a portion of the respiration moduleand an ambient environment; determining, with the processor, a pluralityof volumetric flow rates based on the measured plurality of differentialpressures; and determining, with the processor, the mouth flow curvebased on the determined plurality of volumetric flow rates.
 39. Thedevice of claim 34, wherein obtaining a mouth flow curve in a timeduration prior to said occlusion comprises determining a baseline flowthat comprises a rate of change of lung volume.
 40. The device of claim39, wherein determining a baseline flow that comprises a rate of changeof lung volume comprises determining said rate of change of lung volumejust prior to said occlusion.
 41. The device of claim 40, whereindetermining said rate of change of lung volume just prior to saidocclusion comprises determining an average rate of change of lung volumeover about 20 ms prior to said occlusion.
 42. The device of claim 34,wherein said first point along said pressure curve is approximately at astart of said occlusion of air flow and said second point along saidpressure curve is approximately or exactly at an end of said occlusionof air flow.
 43. A respiratory measurement device to measure lungvolumes, comprising: a respiration module for inhalation or exhalation,the respiration module including: an electric motor, a motor-controlledshutter positioned with the respiration module and movable via theelectric motor, a flow measurement component, and a pressure measurementcomponent; and a control unit, including: a converter to: (i) convertanalog data received from the flow measurement component and thepressure measurement component into a digital format, (ii) convertdigital signals into commands for the electric motor, and a processor inelectrical communication with the electric motor, the flow measurementcomponent, and the pressure measurement component via the converter,wherein the processor is to: command the electric motor to occlude airflow with the motor-controlled shutter during an inhalation orexhalation, obtain with the flow measurement component a mouth flowcurve in a time duration prior to said occlusion and a time durationsubsequent to said occlusion, wherein obtaining a mouth flow curve in atime duration prior to said occlusion comprises determining a baselineflow that comprises a rate of change of lung volume, and determining abaseline flow that comprises a rate of change of lung volume comprisesdetermining said rate of change of lung volume just prior to saidocclusion, and determining said rate of change of lung volume just priorto said occlusion comprises determining an average rate of change oflung volume over about 20 ms prior to said occlusion, wherein theprocessor measures said time duration based at least in part on when thecommand was provided to the electric motor, obtain with the pressuremeasurement component a mouth pressure curve in a time duration duringsaid occlusion, wherein the processor measures said time duration basedat least in part on when the command was provided to the electric motor;calculate the absolute volume in the lungs during said occlusion basedon parameters of said mouth flow curve and said mouth pressure curve,and output said calculated absolute lung volume with said device for apulmonary diagnosis.